Home and Family Information

Local News

Junior Fun Night!
(Posted on 2/3/2012)
Join us and bring a friend for a fun late-nighter at the Rec Center in Knoxville on Friday, February 24th.

Knoxville Federated Garden Club Hosts 2012 Garden Gala!
(Posted on 1/31/2012)
Hurry...Register today! Registration deadline is March 30th!

Summer Intern Opportunities with Marion County Extension!
(Posted on 12/20/2011)
The Summer Youth/4-H Intern and Fair Events Coordinator Intern job descriptions and application are now available.

2011 Marion County 4-H Awards Banquet
(Posted on 12/1/2011)
See the award winners from the 2011 Marion County 4-H Awards Banquet!

The Science of Parenting
(Posted on 9/15/2011)
Look for the Science of Parenting Blog and Podcast!

Answer Line

Answer Line
(Posted on 11/24/2010)
Families Extension Answer Line provides information and resources for Iowa consumers with home and family questions.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Save Money at Tax Time
(Posted on 10/7/2008)
Grandparents who are raising their grandchildren may be eligible for income tax credits, says Joy Rouse, an Iowa State University Extension families program specialist. “Grandparents can save money during tax time by claiming the tax benefits they’ve earned,” Rouse said.

Staff

Margaret Van Ginkel - Program Specialist, Family Finance
Phone: (515) 727-0656
Fax: (515) 727-0657
Email: vangin@iastate.edu

Joy Rouse - Family Life
Phone: 515-250-5984
Fax: 515-961-6017
Email: jmrouse@iastate.edu

News From Iowa State University Extension
Kids Learn Healthy Habits from Caring Adults
(Posted on 2/1/2012)
Adults need to adapt healthier lifestyles and be role models for kids if Iowa is going to be the healthiest state in the nation, says Ruth Litchfield, an Iowa State University associate professor and state nutrition extension specialist.
Science of Parenting: How to Parent Spirited Children
(Posted on 2/1/2012)
When it comes to temperament, some kids are as dependable as pickup trucks, while others are as touchy as high-end sports cars. This month’s Science of Parenting podcast from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach examines the “engine” that drives a child and how parents can manage spirited children.
Connect to Nature at February Virtual Eco Family Conference
(Posted on 1/25/2012)
“When we love the place where we live, we take better care of it,” said Kristi Cooper, a family life specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. She will discuss how to develop a sense of place and build communities that connect people with nature during the Virtual Eco Family Conference on Feb. 2.
Parent-Child Cell Phone Debate Continues
(Posted on 1/17/2012)
Parents can exert a measure of control over their child’s mobile phone use by limiting use, checking its contents and using it to monitor the whereabouts of their offspring. However, with a few exceptions, these activities by parents do not seem to impact patterns of cell phone use by teens, according to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach family life specialists.
Women: Register for Money Talk Online Class by Feb. 1
(Posted on 1/13/2012)
At some point in many women’s lives, they will have to make major financial decisions. Money Talk, an online class offered through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, gives women the knowledge to make those decisions and improve their lives. The registration deadline is Feb. 1 and the class begins Feb. 6.
Science of Parenting: Using Technology to Help with Parenting
(Posted on 1/3/2012)
From podcasts to text messages and Skype, many parents are adding technology to their parenting toolkit. This month’s Science of Parenting podcast from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach takes a closer look at how parents can use information and communications technology for parenting.
Virtual Eco Family Conference Connects Families to the Environment
(Posted on 12/22/2011)
Iowa families throughout the state will be getting together — virtually — once a month from January through June for an Eco Family Conference from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. It’s an opportunity for families to improve the environment, reduce their carbon footprint and create community close to home.
Extension Offers Free Monthly Parenting Newsletter
(Posted on 12/16/2011)
Any parent, new or seasoned, may have questions regarding his or her children. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers a free monthly newsletter, Just in Time Parenting, with helpful information on parenting young ones.
Phone App Is Winter Preparedness Tool for Motorists
(Posted on 12/14/2011)
A new smartphone application from the North Dakota State University Extension Service will help motorists prepare for winter weather travels. And should they get stuck in winter weather, the app provides on-the-spot assistance.
Parents Can Help Kids Deal with Bullying
(Posted on 12/1/2011)
Relational aggression in children is another way of saying that kids can be mean to one another. Parents may not be able to stop this bullying, but they can help their children learn how to deal with the behavior, says Kimberly Greder, an extension specialist and associate professor of human development and family studies at Iowa State University.

Resources from ISU Extension